ECO is a UK Government backed program aimed at tackling carbon emissions and reducing energy bills by replacing old & inefficient gas boilers with condensing boilers free of charge..

Do I qualify for a free boiler?

The ECO grant scheme is designed to help low income household who are deemed to live in “fuel poverty.”

To qualify your existing boiler must be over 8 years old and have an energy rating between E and G.

In addition one of the occupants of the household claims any of the following –

Benefits

Pension Guarantee Credit

Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

Income Support

There are no supplementary requirements for any of the above

Tax Credits and Universal Credits

If you don’t get any of the above but you receive tax credits or Universal Credit you may still qualify for a free boiler or home insulation. The table below outlines the benefit and income threshold for each.

Household

Tax CreditsGross income

Universal Credit
Monthly Income

1 adult

£13,200

£1,100

1 child

£17,400

£1,450

2 children

£21,600

£1,800

3 children

£25,800

£2,150

4+ children

£30,000

£2,500

2 adults

£19,800

£1,650

1 child

£24,000

£2,000

2 children

£28,200

£2,350

3 children

£32,400

£2,700

4+ children

£36,600

£3,050

Benefits of replacing an old boiler

A new boiler can cost up to £2000 – £3000 including fitting. Under the ECO grant scheme any installs are normally fitted free of charge.

Furthermore a new condensing boiler can mean substantial monthly savings on energy bills because of its efficient design. This type of boiler preheats water using waste heat so it costs less to heat your water and radiators.

Annual savingsThe amount of savings you can make by claiming a Government boiler grant depend on the age and efficiency of your existing boiler & heating system. The figures table below outlines average savings that can be made in a home heated by gas central heating.

Old boiler rating

Semi detached house

Detached house

Mid terrace house

Mid flat

G ( < 70%)

£340

£570

£280

£145

F (70–74%)

£255

£430

£210

£105

E (74–78%)

£215

£360

£175

£90

D (78–82%)

£175

£300

£145

£70

These are estimated figures based on installing a new A-rated condensing boiler with a programmer, room thermostat and thermostatic radiator controls (TRVs) in a gas-heated home from an older boiler without controls. Savings will vary depending on the size and thermal performance of your home. Energy Savings Trust.